‘Did Westminster just ignore buses?’ Burnham aims to shake up UK transport
In the fourth of a series on nationalisation, we look at plans to emulate Manchester’s Bee Network in Britain’s buses and railWill Burnham ‘go big’ in expanding the role of the state?Atlee: the postwar blueprint that inspires BurnhamHow council housebuilding is central to Burnham’s visionWhether or not the promised land is reached via renationalisation, the man set to be next prime minister is clear what he wants transport to leave behind.“You go from deregulation to regaining public control, it’s just unbelievable what becomes possible,” said Andy Burnham, reflecting on the bus system he transformed in Manchester. “It’s mind-blowing that deregulation was ever, ever brought in – public interest went out the window and people were cut off.” Continue reading...
A footballing deepfake: how Bruno Fernandes fell victim to an unlicensed betting operator
Illegal online casinos are producing fake BBC stories and AI-generated videos in an attempt to deceive customersRespect of copyright law has never ranked highly in the list of priorities for unlicensed sports betting operators. Crests of famous clubs and photographs of star players are routinely used to promote brands which could not care less about image rights and trademarks, because these operators know any kind of enforcement is impossible.Illegal gambling platforms operate almost exclusively from offshore jurisdictions where the anonymity of their ultimate beneficial owners is protected by local regulations and, to further darken the picture, the use of multiple shell companies which exist only as entries on a registry hidden from public view as well. Cease-and-desist letters will be ignored. Legal action? Against whom? You can’t sue ghosts. Continue reading...
I’ve seen what the death of major industry did to Britain. Without a good revival plan, Burnham cannot succeed | John Harris
Collieries turned into retail parks, manufacturing in the doldrums. The problem is vast, but at least the PM-in-waiting sees it: and in that there is hopeIn the autumn of 2005, Tony Blair gave one of his most unhinged and fascinating speeches as prime minister. “I hear people say we have to stop and debate globalisation,” he said. “You might as well debate whether autumn should follow summer.” He went on: “The character of this changing world is indifferent to tradition. Unforgiving of frailty … It has no custom and practice. It is replete with opportunities, but they only go to those swift to adapt, slow to complain, open, willing and able to change.”In the hall, his characteristically messianic delivery ensured this argument landed, but anyone listening from one of the UK’s deindustrialised areas must have received it as yet another punch in the face. For decades, change and adaptation were what they had been living through and reeling from – but where were the rewards? Where, indeed, was any real sign of even the beginnings of the 21st-century prosperity Blair seemed to be offering?John Harris is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...
Not cool: the air conditioning scams offering fake deals in the heatwave
By using websites copied from stores such as Aldi, fraudsters hope hot and bothered buyers will miss the red flagsWith the UK heatwave expected to increase temperatures over the next week, you decide to invest in an air conditioning unit. But they are expensive, and stocks are running out in the shops as everyone else has had the same idea.After a quick search, you see that there are other options online, and some from names that you recognise. Continue reading...
Can I take the day off for England’s World Cup game – and what if I’m late for work?
Millions of fans could face a tricky day on Monday if they sleep in – or pull a sickie – after the 1am kick-offWhether it’s all over or another step closer to home on Monday morning, the usual back-to-work rush hour could be more sluggish than usual. The timing of the Mexico v England game – a 1am kick-off, and the prospect that it could go on until almost 4am if it goes to penalties – means that for many workers choosing to watch the match there will be not much opportunity for a sleep before the alarm goes off. Continue reading...
Make Ed Miliband chancellor, ex-chief Treasury adviser tells Andy Burnham
Nicholas Stern joins growing number backing Miliband, saying he has vision and experience to revive economyA former chief economic adviser to the Treasury has called on Andy Burnham to appoint Ed Miliband as chancellor, arguing the energy secretary has a “bold” vision to revive the economy.Nicholas Stern, a professor at the London School of Economics who was a senior figure in the Treasury during Gordon Brown’s tenure, said only Miliband had the experience and the strategic vision to accelerate investment and rebuild public trust in the state’s ability to “get things done”. Continue reading...
In a pickle: US pickle company pulls out of DC fair over Confederate flag
Mt Olive Pickle Company says it was unaware image of flag was included in exhibit, and cites value of ‘human dignity’A leading vendor of the US delicacy that is the pickle has withdrawn from the Great American State Fair in Washington DC after North Carolina’s booth displayed a video containing a Confederate flag.The Mt Olive Pickle Company, which is located in eastern North Carolina and bills itself as the “#1 bestselling brand of pickles, peppers and relishes in the US”, told local news station WNCT it had been unaware that an image of the flag would be included in a video as part of the state’s exhibit. Continue reading...
I’ve worked with over 5,000 kids: I swear by this No. 1 parenting rule—it’s ‘surprisingly simple’
Child development expert Siggie Cohen, who has worked with over 5,000 families, shares one communication mistake she sees parents make every day. Here's why she says it can backfire, when to set clear boundaries and how to use questions more effectively.
Elon Musk posted twice as often on UK race and immigration as about SpaceX in IPO run-up
Guardian analysis of X feed shows how keen world’s richest person was to air his views and ‘interfere’ in British politics Elon Musk posted about race and immigration in the UK on his social media network X twice as often as he did about SpaceX, which he also owns, in the run-up to the aerospace and AI company’s initial public offering.A Guardian analysis of Musk’s posts, replies and reposts between 31 May and 12 June has shown the extent to which the social media activity of the world’s richest person, who lives primarily in the US, has focused on UK politics. Continue reading...
What impact will Andy Burnham have on Zack Polanski and the Greens?
Voters disillusioned with Starmer’s Labour were tempted by the Greens – but Polanski’s party fears the affable, left-leaning Burnham could win them backThe shift was notable. A week after Keir Starmer said he would resign, YouGov polling showed Labour up two points and the Greens down by the same amount. Might an Andy Burnham premiership mean a rethink for Zack Polanski’s party?The short answer is it is too early to know, particularly in an era of unprecedented political volatility and the seesawing poll numbers that come with it. This year alone, a five-point Labour lead over the Greens has become a similar margin in favour of the Greens, and then a seven-point advantage for Labour. Continue reading...
The World Cup sends prediction market volumes soaring to record highs
Trading volumes on Kalshi and Polymarket both hit record highs in June. Rothera, a new prediction market platform, was also able to manage $2 billion in volume.
Mayfair casino facing legal action after former waiter says he did not get fair share of tips
Former worker at Metropolitan on Park Lane in London says he had to share tips with managers and other staffA Mayfair casino is facing legal action from a former waiter who says he was not given a fair share of tips.The former worker at the Metropolitan Mayfair – part of the Metropolitan Casinos group owned by the US investment firm Silver Point Capital, which operates seven casinos in the UK and four in Egypt – has filed a complaint with the employment tribunal in London over his share of cash tips given directly to him, which he says he was forced to share with managers and other staff. Continue reading...
Tom Kean got months of paid sick leave – after voting against it for others | Arwa Mahdawi
The congressman spent four months mysteriously away from work, but he doesn’t seem to think his constituents should get mandated sick daysThe mystery of the missing congressman has finally been solved. Almost four months ago Tom Kean Jr, a Republican, vanished from public view. He missed more than 100 votes, all while continuing to collect his full taxpayer-funded salary of $174,000 along with excellent benefits. The only explanation given for his absence was a cryptic statement from his office in late April saying he was dealing with a “personal health matter”. Kean’s father, former New Jersey governor Tom Kean Sr, further told CNN in May that his son was battling a temporary illness and would be back to work soon.This week, Kean finally resurfaced and explained that he’d been absent due to inpatient treatment for depression. Why hadn’t he said anything about this earlier? Kean said he was “private person by nature”. Which is great, but maybe don’t choose a job in public service in that case.Arwa Mahdawi is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...
OpenAI’s apparent failure to visit key site raises questions over UK investment
Exclusive: £20bn of ‘potential’ £30bn AI investment touted by UK ministers appears to have been hypotheticalIt was to be the biggest undertaking in Britain for OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT. Stargate UK – a multibillion-pound UK datacentre project – would represent “a major step forward in the US-UK technology partnership”.But the plans were paused in April, with an OpenAI spokesperson citing concerns over regulation and high energy costs. Continue reading...
As auto costs rise, will the US miss the golden age of electric vehicles?
Shifting demands and political ideology have left the industry vulnerable to global competition from cheap Chinese carsEarlier this month, an intriguing new Detroit-based electric vehicle startup hit the market – Slate Auto, a Jeff Bezos-backed venture offering something US buyers rarely see these days – a pick up truck billed as “affordable”.Its base price is $24,950, making it one of the lowest-cost autos in the US market and close to half the price of the average new vehicle. But as the US contends with sharply rising auto costs, even Slate may be getting left behind in the global electric vehicle (EV) transition. The global EV industry is entering a golden age powered by cheap Chinese cars that can be bought for as little as $10,000. Continue reading...
Boris Johnson wasted my levelling up idea. Here’s how Burnham and his ‘good growth’ plan can do better | Justine Greening
The need to devolve power and share prosperity is as strong as ever. Whatever the project is called, whoever is in No 10, the priority now is actual delivery Andy Burnham has set out his vision for “good growth in every postcode”. It may seem like levelling up 2.0 – and if so, that’s very good news for the country. Because, unlike his Labour and Conservative predecessors, Burnham may well have a far better sense of how to deliver it.Boris Johnson lifted the levelling up language from the Department for Education (DfE), deployed during my time there, but then downgraded what should have been a defining purpose for his government to little more than a towns fund. Keir Starmer rightly identified “breaking down barriers to opportunity” as a government mission, but in office he hiked up employers’ national insurance – literally taxing opportunity – in a way that was always going to hit early career, younger workers the most.Justine Greening was the Conservative MP for Putney from 2005 to 2019 Continue reading...
‘Trump accounts’: Wall Street-backed investment funds for children to go live
Savings plans for children born between January 2025 and December 2028 launched as president seeks electoral boostTrump accounts, a savings vehicle named after the US president and authorized by congressional Republicans, are set to go live on Saturday, offering American parents a new way to save money for their children by investing in funds managed by major Wall Street firms.All accounts established for children born between January 2025 through December 2028 – nearly the entirety of Donald Trump’s second term – will receive $1,000 from the government. Parents, friends and employers will be able to deposit as much as $5,000 a year into the accounts. Continue reading...
UK and France agree with Oman to ensure safety of its territorial waters
France said it has deployed mine countermeasures to the Middle East, including two mine-hunting ships.
From Macron to Modi, governments are rolling out the red carpet for AI giants
Macron and Modi are courting tech CEOs as France and India seek AI data center investment and cloud infrastructure.
‘There’s excitement in the air’: how America fell back in love with indie cinemas
With unexpected programming and a community ethos, independent cinemas across the US are giving multiplexes a run for their moneyOn a quiet street in New York City’s Ridgewood neighborhood stands an unassuming, windowless white building. Its lone door, covered with an amalgamation of cut-outs, looks like a teenager’s bedroom; the building numbers are displayed via peeling stickers above it. But if you look closely, herein lies Low Cinema, an indie movie theater which boasts just 42 seats and thrives on being lo-fi.“We need to bring back theaters that are the size of porno theaters but don’t necessarily play pornographic films,” cracks owner John Wilson, who is best known as the host of HBO Max’s popular How To with John Wilson and opened Low Cinema in spring 2025. Continue reading...
Why can’t Britain turn its green revolution into cheap energy? A visual analysis
Labour has approved a wave of renewable energy projects, but turning plans into power remains slow. Why is that?Labour has a race on its hands if it is to lock in its promise to achieve a virtually zero-carbon electricity system by 2030.Britain’s next prime minister will have to move fast: the climate emergency is raging, high energy bills are driving up the cost of living and the reactionary right is threatening a fossil fuel push if it wins power. Continue reading...
Brexit rule change means British teens in EU face soaring student fees for UK degrees
‘Home fee’ qualification ends in 2028, leaving those hoping to study in UK not now eligible for British loansBritish teenagers living in the EU could be priced out of UK universities in two years’ time as a Brexit rule change means they face the double whammy of paying costlier international fees, while losing access to student finance.British passport holders living in the EU still qualify for “home fee” status at UK universities. But this will no longer be the case when the grace period ends in 2028, meaning the first wave to be affected are starting their A-levels, or equivalent, this autumn. Continue reading...
Severn Trent doubles CEO reward plan to £3.1m despite anger over water pay
Increase to long-term incentive plan means James Jesic could significantly outearn predecessor Liv GarfieldSevern Trent has doubled the size of a long-term reward scheme for its new chief executive to as much as £3.1m and he could receive significantly more than his predecessor, despite anger over water bosses’ pay.The FTSE 100 water company said its long-term incentive plan (LTIP) would increase from 200% of new chief executive James Jesic’s base salary to 400%, according to changes revealed in the company’s most recent annual report. Jesic could receive as much as £4.8m in a single year after salary, annual bonus, LTIP and benefits are counted. Continue reading...
Iran begins six-day funeral for Ayatollah Khamenei nearly four months after his death
Iran plans a six-day funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with ceremonies across Iran and Iraq before burial in Mashhad.
Fight them for the beaches: the real villain of Europe’s overtourism is big business | Adam Almeida
From Albania to Portugal, privatisation of the coastline is bringing locals out on to the streets. For them, the economic benefits are few and far betweenFew scenes better capture the essence of a European summer than the terminals of our airports in the early hours of the morning. Britons necking pints like a football match is on, German couples eagerly murmuring about their cycling tour across Croatia, and passengers sleeping peacefully on corridor floors. This holiday season, millions will embark on an annual pilgrimage to the hotspots of Mallorca, Corfu and Albufeira to enjoy a much-anticipated break in the sun.But it’s increasingly likely that they will face some kind of hostility there. In Barcelona, demonstrators might spray them with water pistols or tape off the entrance to their hotel. In Tenerife, visitors might see “tourists go home” graffiti on the side of the road as they drive their rental car down to the beach.Adam Almeida is a writer and researcher living in London Continue reading...
Feds seek lower prison term for $100M New Jersey deli fraudster — but some reasons why are hidden
James Patten is the third person who will be sentenced in the stock manipulation scheme related to Hometown International, a company that owned just one deli.
Security staff strikes averted at Aberdeen Airport
The strikes, involving baggage screening staff, were due begin on Monday with the Unite union warning of "significant delays".
Extreme heat wave threatens U.S. power grids and July 4 travel
The heat wave threatens to overwhelm U.S. grids and may force some to change their plans on one of the busiest travel weeks of the year.
First known congressional SpaceX stock buys surface after record IPO
The SpaceX stock purchases come as Elon Musk’s company deepens its role in federal contracting and remains closely tied to President Donald Trump’s Washington.
The Guardian view on Labour’s next chancellor: send for Ed Miliband | Editorial
Andy Burnham needs the Treasury to serve devolution, raise living standards and renew the economy. The energy secretary meets that testThere are few things on which this column would agree with George Osborne. Voting to remain in the European Union was one. Backing Labour’s Ed Miliband to be the next chancellor is another.Mr Osborne, whose austerity programme redistributed pain downwards while protecting privilege at the top, had only a week ago on his podcast, Political Currency, dismissed Mr Miliband as too difficult a sell to business and the press. He now recognises what should have been obvious: if Andy Burnham is serious about governing differently, he needs a chancellor with the authority, knowledge and political relationship with the prime minister to bend the Treasury to the project.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...
Americans disgusted at Trump earning $1bn from crypto as president: ‘Obviously a grift’
Hundreds of Guardian readers expressed concerns over greed in the White House and a billionaire president unconcerned with high gas and grocery pricesDonald Trump has earned more than $1bn from his crypto businesses since returning to the White House, according to recent financial disclosures.Amid questions of conflict of interest, more than 400 Americans expressed feelings of outrage, disgust and despair at their president. They answered a Guardian call for their views on Trump’s fortune. Continue reading...
How to avoid fees when spending abroad
Martin is revealing everything you need to know right now to cut the cost of getting away.
'Start work at 11' - but will other bosses be as flexible over England's 1am match?
Employers are being urged to use their "common sense" to allow staff to work flexibly where they can.
London has lost ‘catastrophic’ 89% of car club vehicles since Zipcar exit
Only 330 car club vehicles available for rent after big provider left British market, data revealsThe number of car club vehicles in London has fallen by a “catastrophic” 89% since Zipcar ended its service in late 2025, with former users being pushed to consider buying or leasing.Car clubs allow drivers to use vehicles parked around a city, using apps to book and unlock them. Zipcar dominated London’s car club market before the US company’s shock decision to pull out in December 2025. That left a gap that has yet to be filled for Londoners without a car. Continue reading...
New pipeline in Canada to proceed after C$150bn pledged to ease BC and First Nations concerns
Port expansion and protections for whales part of BC and Alberta plan to expand country’s presence overseasThe governments of Canada and the province of Alberta will move forward on a major new oil pipeline after the pair announced a plan to ease concerns of British Columbia and First Nations on the Pacific coast.Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, shuttled between British Columbia and Alberta on Thursday to announce more than C$150bn in new investments in both provinces, part of a broader project of reducing trade with the United States and expanding his country’s presence in overseas markets. Continue reading...
Instagram running ads promoting child sexual abuse material in India, BBC finds
The ads use terms including “rape” and “child video” and link to content on the messaging app Telegram.
SSE Airtricity bills to increase by more than £70 a year
SSE Airtricity said electricity bills will increase by 6.2% seeing the customer's bill rise by about 20p a day- that's £71.57 extra a year.
UK summer bookings jump as Britons put off overseas holidays by travel fears
Reports of ‘stampede’ for stays near water amid concerns over cancelled flights, higher air fares and EU border delaysSummer bookings at Britain’s hotels and holiday parks have jumped, compared with last year, as fears about flight cancellations and long delays at EU borders have prompted many UK holidaymakers to stay closer to home this year.There has been a surge in last-minute bookings for UK holidays amid warnings that airlines will have to raise their fares because of higher jet fuel bills that have resulted from the war in the Middle East. Continue reading...
Burnham says there is some room for movement on tax
But the likely next PM says he will stick to Labour's pledges to not raise VAT, income tax or national insurance.
The Tech Download: Amazon’s devices chief Panos Panay on tech giant's AI gadget push
CNBC's Arjun Kharpal sits down Amazon's Panay on the latest episode of The Tech Download podcast.
'Not a lot of Gen Z trust the state pension system'
Young people tells the BBC what they think about the state pension.
AI is outpacing the rules, Europe’s top bankers and regulators warn
Europe's top bankers and financial regulators are grappling with how to better regulate AI risks.
How baby formula recalls have mounted amid Trump staff cuts to the FDA
Experts say the Food and Drug Administration is not prepared for the health threat of bacterial contaminationMultiple brands of infant formula have been recalled recently due to bacterial contamination, and experts say the Food and Drug Administration is inadequately prepared to deal with the health threat they pose in the wake of Trump administration cuts.Last March, the FDA announced the launch of Operation Stork Speed, specifically intended to “expand options for safe, reliable, and nutritious infant formula for American families”. Two months later, Martin Makary, who was FDA commissioner at the time, told Congress that the FDA had lost around 3,100 employees due to the Trump administration’s reorganization and cuts. Makary departed the FDA the same month. Continue reading...
Trump’s Freedom 250 draws corporate sponsors with business before his administration
Companies with federal interests — including Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Oracle — are sponsoring a Trump-aligned effort celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
Police criticise decision to let pubs stay open until 5am for England match
‘Late announcement’ means forces will have to adapt plans and move officers away from communities, say chiefsPolice leaders have criticised Downing Street’s decision to let pubs stay open until 5am on Monday for England’s World Cup match against Mexico, saying it will take officers “away from communities”.Mark Roberts, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for football policing, and Scott Green, the organisation’s lead for alcohol licensing, said the “late announcement” meant forces would have to adapt plans and would leave officers working extended hours. Continue reading...
'Less than 10% sheep': How millions may have unknowingly eaten goat, skin and fat kebabs
Millions are likely to have eaten "lamb" kebabs that were actually made with goat, skin and fat.
Excitement and concerns over credit card plans
Some islanders say changes will help but others are worried about their data being shared.
US residents angry at datacenters ‘being shoved down our throats’ are recalling officials
People across the country are pushing for moratoriums, and electeds who approve projects are being punishedLenoxdatacenter.com went live in May, promoting what it called a “proposed advanced technology and data center campus” in Michigan. The site did not state who wanted to build the center. Lenox Township officials denied anyone had applied to build one.Emails obtained by residents through an open records request showed, however, that developers had contacted the township supervisor and deputy supervisor asking for their support to build a datacenter. Continue reading...
No-gift policy for Taylor Swift, but how much should you give at a wedding?
Wedding lists are being replaced by cash requests, but guests are divided over how much to give.
Christine Lagarde leaves door open to early ECB exit, as she mulls French politics
The European Central Bank's Christine Lagarde has declined to rule out an early end to her term as president, as she mulls a foray into French politics.
Tackle workplace sickness to unlock hidden growth, former John Lewis boss says
More than 250 of the UK's biggest employers have signed up to his 'Get Britain Working' taskforce.
Gold prices set for first weekly rise in a month as investors scale back Fed rate hike bets
The metal was boosted as investors scaled back their bets on a looming rate hike.
Kuaishou shares jump after Tencent joins $2.8 billion raise for Kling AI subsidiary
Kuaishou shares rose as much as 6.89% at Friday's Hong Kong market open before paring gains to trade around 0.75% higher.
Oman walks a diplomatic tightrope over Strait of Hormuz fees, creating a ‘blind spot’ for markets
Oman is using strategic ambiguity as talks over possible Strait of Hormuz fees raise legal, diplomatic and oil market concerns.
Far from waging war on the south, Burnham could improve the lives of Londoners. Here’s how | Polly Toynbee
The right wants to paint Manchesterism in terms of north v south – but poverty everywhere is solved by prioritising the public purse over private pocketsWhen the “king of the north” called London “the world’s greatest capital city” this week, it didn’t reassure those who fear that Andy Burnham represents that old national grievance, the north-south divide. The right warned southerners that he was coming to tax their extravagant properties until the pips squeaked.The idea that London is reviled as a swelling boil or a vampire sucking life from the provinces long pre-dates William Cobbett. Go north of Watford, go east or south-west, and populists can always raise a hiss against the capital. Envy and loathing come in many political shapes: for the right, London is the citadel of left-leaning elitism and also the multicultural crime-ridden swamp of Trump-Vance fabrication. Who doesn’t resent the gilded greed of City bankers – takers, not makers. And Burnham’s popularity is built on northernness.Polly Toynbee is a Guardian columnist Continue reading...
Safe havens aren't behaving like they used to. Here's what's changed
Traditional safe-haven assets — U.S. Treasurys, the Japanese yen and gold — have struggled to provide protection during this year’s market volatility.
Homes in England with kitchens that open on to the garden – in pictures
From a home with a patio in Cheshire’s ‘Golden Triangle’ to a Lincolnshire barn that opens out to create one al fresco space Continue reading...
CNBC Daily Open: Trump on 'nothing illegal,' family matters and foregoing the Presidential salary
In an exclusive interview with CNBC's Joe Kernen, President Donald Trump covers a wide range of topics on his agenda.
Livery bookings rise as horse owners struggle with costs
The livery provides an affordable service for owners to be able to have their horses cared for.
Rafael Nadal talks tennis prize money, his hotels, and what sports taught him about business
Rafael Nadal opened his fourth Zel hotel as he expands into hospitality, education and sports after retiring from tennis.
Venezuela quake toll climbs to 2,595 as damage estimates mount after strongest tremor in a century
Death toll from twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela jumped to 2,595, as rescue operations continued after the country's strongest tremors in over a century.
OpenAI proposes 5% stake to Trump administration to ease Washington pressure: Report
Trump said in June that the U.S. taking an ownership stake in AI giants would be "a beautiful thing" and make American public "partners in this revolution."
3,000% bonuses but a growing wealth divide: South Korea grapples with its AI chip boom
Powered by chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, South Korea is seeing a surge in wealth, but there are questions over who gets to share in the profitsWhen South Korea’s most high-profile divorce case returned to court last month, the lawyers were arguing not just about the breakdown of a relationship, but also the exact date at which to value shares in one specific company.The judges’ decision in Seoul could change the value of business tycoon Chey Tae-won’s assets by billions of dollars. The shares were in the holding company behind SK Hynix, the manufacturer of chips powering AI systems around the world. Continue reading...
Nvidia offers start-up customers chance to swap compute power for revenue share
Nvidia says it will give start-ups the chance to swap access to compute power for a slice of future profits under a new program aimed at AI-focused firms.
5 takeaways from President Donald Trump's interview with CNBC
The president defended his family's business and said he feels bad that the presidency creates a conflict of interest in any of his children's investments.
AI is 'not smart' so what's next in artificial intelligence?
Leading AI researcher Yan LeCun has a start-up which is developing a more flexible AI system.
Pubs allowed to stay open until 5am on Monday for England Mexico match
The government had initially said it would not relax licensing laws further for the World Cup.
Tesla stock sinks 7% despite strong deliveries report, posting worst day in nearly a year
Tesla is trying to recover from consecutive annual declines in vehicle sales that were partly caused by a consumer backlash against CEO Elon Musk.
Job seekers giving up: Labor force participation rate falls to lowest in 50 years, outside of Covid era
A drop in the unemployment rate helped provide some upside to what was an otherwise downbeat jobs report — but it was for all the wrong reasons.
Can our fridges cope with heatwaves?
An expert says many can not handle the high temperatures we have been experiencing.
Old British fridges 'cannot cope with the heat'
Experts say older fridges are failing in hot weather as rising temperatures put them under pressure.
Ryanair warns of 'queue chaos' from new EU border system
The airline calls on European governments to postpone the EES system until after the summer holiday period.
Brookfield wants to build AI data centers in London’s answer to Wall Street
Brookfield's CEO said the firm is bringing data centers to London's Canary Wharf, as demand for AI infrastructure in the U.K. soars.
How to bag a bargain flight
Finance expert Laura Pomfret shares her top tips for finding cheaper flights, from spotting rare error fares to knowing the best time to book. Plus, why airline bundles aren't always the bargain they seem.
Why the expected fight over the North American trade deal never kicked off
The US has confirmed it will not extend the agreement for another 16 years, but stopped short of more dramatic action.
World Cup boom falters as US hospitality jobs fall in June
There had been early signs of a jobs boom from the tournament, but hospitality jobs declined in June.
Russia’s neighbor to scrap ban on nuclear weapons, says ‘situation is getting worse’
The decision comes shortly after lawmakers in Finland voted to lift its longstanding ban on nuclear weapons.
Europe wants to rebalance trade with Beijing, but can't quit Chinese air conditioners
A historic heat wave has driven unprecedented demand for Chinese-made air conditioners in Europe, underscoring the tough task Brussels faces in rebalancing trade with Beijing.
Car finance compensation payments delayed until next year
Millions could be entitled to compensation as a result of commission arrangements between lenders and dealers.
All the whey up! How a dairy byproduct became the star of the ‘proteinmaxxing’ boom
As GLP-1s drive the current protein craze, a supplement once only taken by powerlifters is now so popular US producers are struggling to keep upFor generations, the Meives family made cheese. Tony Meives’s grandfather, a Swiss immigrant, and his father both ran small cheese factories in Wisconsin, in the heart of America’s dairyland. “I worked in the cheese factory my whole life,” Meives says. “I have four world-class cheesemakers in my family.” But when it came time to inherit the family business, Meives found there was more money in the industrial runoff that his grandfather would have once thrown away. Today, the 39-year-old bodybuilder and gym owner runs a company that sells whey protein powder, the watery byproduct of cheesemaking that was once considered waste. “Twenty years ago, the only people who took whey were bodybuilders,” he says. “Over the past five years, the market has really opened up to each and every type of person you can probably think of.”When Robert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, declared late last month, that “the war on protein is over”, he sounded a bit like one of those Japanese soldiers of second world war lore, who spent years hunkering in the jungles of south-east Asia, oblivious to the fact that hostilities had long ceased. Perhaps there was a time when advice leaned more towards a diet based around fruit, vegetables and carbohydrates – but by May 2026, the war on protein was surely over. Protein had won. Continue reading...
SpaceX may emerge as ultimate blueprint for new wave of mega-cap IPOs
"It would not surprise me at all to see a similar dynamic play out with some of these [IPOs] set to come in the months ahead," the Kathmere Capital CIO says.
Why Gen Z are taking mini-retirements
Many young people are choosing to spend money they would otherwise put into a pension, on trips now.
Google must pay €4.1bn fine for using Android to 'block' rivals
A Google spokesperson said the judgement "fails to recognise" the firm's "significant investment to ensure Android remains open."
Singapore seizes $42m mansion over Nvidia chip smuggling
The luxury home was seized as part of a probe into the illegal trade of servers containing AI semiconductors.
'I spent $6,000 on a World Cup trip but was left stranded at the gate'
Hundreds of fans who bought World Cup tickets on resale site StubHub say they have had them cancelled at the last minute.
I visited seven themed bars in one week. Can ball pits and bingo save British nightlife?
While most hospitality venues are struggling, there has been an enormous rise in ‘competitive socialising’. But why? And could I find the answer while dressed in a prison jumpsuit and drinking a daiquiri?British hospitality is in crisis. In the first quarter of 2026, three hospitality sites closed every day, while one in five remaining businesses fear collapse over the next year owing to rises in tax and employment costs. For those venues struggling to make ends meet in London in particular, there is the added worry of increasingly stringent licensing rules and influential lobby groups making once-thriving areas such as Soho a ghost town after 11pm.And yet one hospitality niche seems to be bucking the trend: themed bars. Blending booze with, say, axe-throwing, darts, immersive theatre or adult-sized ball pits, these experiential venues have seen a boom in recent years. A report from Savills estate agents found a 58% increase in “competitive socialising” venue openings in 2025 compared with 2018, while another survey found one in three adults had visited one of these venues in the UK in 2024-25. Photo-friendly interiors have made many of them a hit on social media, too. Continue reading...
Don't expect connected car apps to save your stolen car, experts say
Kia told the BBC UK law prevented its location tracking function being used to live track vehicles.
Diesel sees biggest monthly fall in 26 years. What's happening to fuel prices?
When the US-Israel war with Iran began, fuel costs jumped, but they are now plummeting as hope of lasting peace grows.
Halifax brand to be scrapped after 173 years
Lloyds says it remains committed to the town of Halifax and very little will change for customers.
US blocks long-term renewal of North American trade deal
US blocks 16-year North America trade deal renewal, triggering annual rolling reviews
Bibles, Home Alone and perfume: Six takeaways from Trump's 2025 finances
Official documents show the US president made billions of dollars as he returned to the White House.
Trump made more than $1bn from crypto in first year back in office
The president's crypto income far outpaces his earnings from real estate and Trump-themed items such as watches.
Brewery boss who banned phones and swearing from pubs dies aged 81
Humphrey Smith had been at the helm of the Tadcaster brewer since the 1980s.
Up to 150 ex-WHSmith High Street stores to close as rescue deal approved
The sweeping restructuring, approved by a court, will see steep rent cuts on most remaining stores.
Employers who laid off workers citing AI are already starting to regret it
Companies are realizing artificial intelligence can't do everything after all, prompting them to rehire employees to grow their businesses
Why is crucial tech vulnerable to the heat?
Energy grids and train services are among the vital services that are vulnerable to very hot weather.
ScottishPower owes me £1,000 in solar panel payments
For months I’ve been trying to receive my FIT payment, which should be more than £1,000I moved into my new house 14 months ago, and soon afterwards applied to ScottishPower, with whom the solar panels are registered for a feed-in tariff (Fit), for transfer of ownership of the panels and the tariff.After many emails back and forth, I got a response saying they had all the information required. Continue reading...
Energy price cap rise ‘will push millions in Great Britain into fuel poverty’
Typical bill will surge by £220 a year from Wednesday, forcing 13.5m homes to spend over 10% of income on fuelMillions of households in Great Britain will be pushed into fuel poverty after months of volatility on the global gas markets as energy bills rise by more than £220 a year under the government’s price cap from Wednesday.As the cap on gas and electricity rates rises to the equivalent of £1,862 a year, the number of households forced to spend more than 10% of their income on energy bills will increase to 13.5m from almost 11.3m in April, according to fuel poverty campaigners. Continue reading...
Japan is raising visa fees by up to 400% for the first time in nearly 50 years. Here's why
A single entry visa will climb to 15,000 yen, from the 3,000 yen charged currently, while multiple entry visas will cost 30,000 yen, up from the 6,000 yen now.
‘Fine for others to pay more’: can Japan attract more overseas tourists while charging them extra?
Japan has ambitious targets to increase overseas visitor numbers, but there are growing concerns about overtourism. One possible answer is two-tier pricingPerched dramatically on a hilltop in western Japan, Himeji castle’s striking white-plastered, tiered roofs earned it the moniker “white heron castle”. The sweeping 17th-century complex is regarded as the finest existing samurai fortress, and attracts more than one and a half million visitors a year.But as Japan seeks to manage greater numbers of foreign tourists, Himeji is one of the attractions raising admission prices for non-residents. The World Heritage site increased its admission fee to 2,500 yen ($15.50) on 1 March, but left the price for those who live in Himeji city at 1,000 yen ($6.20). Continue reading...
The Burnham blueprint, as told by one of its architects – podcast
Andy Burnham has set out his economic plans for Britain. Neal Lawson, from the Burnham-aligned group Mainstream, explains the thinking behind itHelen Pidd has been one of Andy Burnham’s constituents for almost a decade now. She says she has seen Greater Manchester thrive on his watch. Now he wants to do for the rest of the country what he has done for her region. On Monday Burnham stood up in the People’s History Museum in Manchester and delivered his economic manifesto. Barring some 11th hour challenge or unforeseen calamity, he will have moved into No 10 by the end of July. But he says he wants to build another No 10. A Manchester one. What he is promising is radical, but just how credible is “rewiring” Britain?Neal Lawson is the founder of pressure group Compass, and more recently the Burnham-aligned Mainstream. He explains to Helen why Burnham is so keen to devolve power and what he wants to nationalise. But, he says, “I think what Burnham has done is kind of, by a sort of minor miracle, reach base camp. And now there’s the mountain to climb.” Continue reading...
Why Gen Z are planning for life without a state pension
Many younger people do not believe the state pension will exist when they are older
Plea for households to read energy meter as prices rise
Household energy prices have risen by 13% a year as regulator Ofgem's latest price cap kicks in.
Will Andy Burnham’s economic vision make us all better off? | Politics Weekly
Andy Burnham has made his first major speech since returning to Westminster. He announced proposals for a No 10 in the North as part of plans to devolve power and spread resources across the country. He said he wanted to regenerate towns, prioritising places that had been left behind.It sounds a lot like the “levelling up” of the Boris Johnson years, so can Burnham really make a change? Continue reading...
The king, his millions, and the first public royal tax bill – The Latest
King Charles has become the first monarch in modern times to reveal how much tax he pays on his private income: £24.6m over the last two years.The move comes after years of calls for the monarch to be more open with the public about the royal finances. Some are heralding this as a new era of transparency – but just how open has the revelation been?Lucy Hough speaks to our European financial affairs editor, Juliette Garside Continue reading...
Brexit: An Oral History – podcast
This week marked 10 years since the UK chose to leave the EU. In a series of interviews with key players from both sides, Kiran Stacey looks back on the Brexit vote that changed the country foreverRead the Guardian’s full article on Brexit here Continue reading...
The legal fight to get equal pay for Germany's disabled workers
A test case is seeking the minimum wage for 300,000 disabled people who currently get paid less.
Do you know your 'sweat score'? The rise of hydration tech
Hydration tracking gadgets are flooding the market but is it too much information?
Is Germany looking again at coal-powered electricity?
It had planned to abandon the fuel, but the higher cost of natural gas may make it think again.
The artificial ice pyramids saving India's mountain villages
Himalayan villages are creating artificial glaciers to guarantee water for their crops in the spring.
'We had to get out of the way': The backlash over delivery robots
As the delivery vehicles increasing take to US streets, bans and protest groups are springing up.
What is Helium-3 and could we get it from the moon?
Helium-3 is expensive and demand is forecast to soar, so some are planning to mine it on the moon.
Why I sold my business to my staff
As more US company owners reach retirement age many are selling up to their employees.
India's 'blue gold' starts a new drinks industry
Agave plants grow wild in India and new distillers are using them to create a spirits industry.
The furious dispute over what caused Air India flight 171 to crash
The final conclusions of the investigation have yet to be published, although more could become apparent in the coming days.
New candy stores are popping up across NYC. Why?
While US consumer confidence is at an historic low the Big Apple's sweet shops are expanding.
Could humanoid robots be heading for the battlefield?
Armed forces are experimenting with humanoid robots, but battlefield deployment is some way off.
How the High Street became a window on our political instability
High Streets have declined in recent years. What does this tell us about the UK?
The £5 coffee that tells a story of global economic turmoil
Coffees at some city centre outlets now cost £5. It's a story of tariffs, the climate, Gen Z cultural tastes, and savvy coffee farmers playing the market, writes Faisal Islam
The threat to summer holidays looming from jet fuel shortages
What impact might shortages have on our summer holidays - and what could be done about it?
💬 Comments